Page 84 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage
“Just to what? Kill us all when he got the chance? Dr. Sherwin, you may na have gotten to know him very well while he’s been here, but I have. And everything I’ve learned about Santiago Mendes contradicts that.” Briony sat up straighter in her chair, feeling herself become more and more certain of the merchant’s innocence.
Dr. Sherwin narrowed his eyes. “But when the commodore told him the charges, Mr. Mendes did na deny them.”
“And that’s the part I can’ figure out. The man I know would never do something like that, yet he did na defend himself when given the chance. There must be more to this than we realize. Something is preventing him from speaking the truth.”
“Or yer love is blinding you from the truth.” Dr. Sherwin winced right after he spoke, and regret shone from his eyes as he looked down at her.
Briony bit her lip, restraining herself from saying something rash. “Perhaps yer right. Maybe I am blinded by love. But because o’ that very love, I can’ give up hope. Na yet.”
“What are you going to do?” Adaira asked.
“I have to hear it from Santiago himself. If he’s responsible fer what the commodore said, he’s going to have to say it to my face. If I’m right, though, he won’ be able to do that.” Briony stood and faced the door.
But Dr. Sherwin touched her shoulder before she could take a step. “Briony.”
She turned to him, and he instantly looked away, dropping his hand and holding it behind his back. “I… I’m sorry. Fer yer sake, I hope yer right. Just be careful.”
Briony grinned. “Trust me, Doctor. I can handle myself better than you think.”
Briony tramped out the door to Cardoso’s ship. The farther she walked, though, the more her bravado wore off, and by the time she’d stepped onto the gangplank, she was practically shaking.
Remember that yer doing this fer the man you love. And what’s more, he told you he loves you too.That thought gave her the strength to cross the threshold into the commodore’s quarters.
But will it be enough to get me through everything else?
“Ah, Senhorita…Fairborn, was it? What brings you to my ship? Come to check on your lover?” The commodore sneered as Briony entered, waving his hand for her to take a seat. He didn’t bother to rise from his desk, either due to a lack of courtesy toward all women or maybe just her.
Briony clenched her jaw even as a telltale blush stole across her cheeks. She told herself she wouldn’t be intimidated by this man, no matter who he was.After all, I’m na just anyone, right? I’m a selkie, fer goodness’ sake! This man can’ stop me from getting what I want.
“I need to speak to him. ’Tis very important.”
“And why should I care about your needs? What’s in it for me?” A lustful smile spread over his lips as he raised his eyebrows at her.
Briony scowled, making it very clear how she felt about his implication. “Are you na worried you might have arrested an innocent man?”
The commodore rolled his eyes and leaned away. “Senhorita, don’t waste my time.”
“Why are you so convinced he’s guilty?”
“Hmm, how about the fact he didn’t even deny the charges? That seems like a clear indicator of the man’s guilt. Besides, even if Senhor Mendes had denied them, I already have enough evidence to ensure his execution once we return to Portugal.”
All the blood drained from Briony’s face, and what she’d been about to say got stuck in the back of her throat.
“What’s wrong, senhorita?” Cardoso’s eyes lit up at her discomfort. “Many of the other conspirators have already been tried and executed, so it’s safe to say that shall be his fate as well.”
“What kind o’ evidence?” Briony whispered.
Cardoso growled in frustration. “This is government business that doesn’t concern a common Scottish senhorita. In fact, I don’t know why you’re still here. Leave now before I make you leave.”
“But I—”
“Alves!” The commodore looked to the door as the officer he’d called entered the room. “Escort the senhorita out of here, and don’t allow her back on the ship.”
Alves nodded once and shoved Briony out the open door.
Briony spun around to tell the officer not to touch her again, but he simply grabbed her wrists and continued to force her down the hallway toward the deck. Briony dug in her heels as hard as she could, determined not to go down without a fight.
When that did no good, she decided it was time to resort to extreme measures.I refuse to let Santiago leave here without speaking to him. Even if it means revealing my secret.
